Page 87 of Hidden
“I know it’s not what you like, but this is the way society is today.” Julian shrugged. “And Bryce was raised in this world. If you want to try to understand how he thinks, let him spoil you.”
That was stupid. Why should I need to understandhim? He should be the one kissing up tome.
But then again, Bryce did have control of my money. It was probably prudent to figure out how his mind worked. See the kind of steward he was.
I narrowed my eyes at the bright game store sign. “If he wants to give me something, he can buy me another pair of Burberrys.”
Julian lightly pushed me toward the store. “Let him buy you something, or don’t. But just go see what he’s doing. I need to do something.”
My attention returned to Julian. He was pointedly not looking at me anymore. “What are you doing? Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“I’m doingsomething,” Julian repeated, his mouth lifting in the corners. “Andyou’rethe one who will never be rid ofme, so don’t worry about that.”
“What—” I began, but Julian slipped away.
Grumbling under my breath, I stomped into the store, spotting Bryce instantly. He was in front of a colorful shelf, game in hand as he studied it with intense concentration.
I watched him—something was off about this picture. He looked unhappy.
He was supposed to be partaking in a joyous hobby, so why did he look so solemn?
Why did I suddenly care about his happiness? This was an odd feeling. I didn’t like it. Gosh darn it, Julian was right. I was going to need to let the man purchase something for me.
“What are you doing?” I stepped beside him, and he jumped. I buried my glee at the realization that I’d scared him and pressed forward. “I want a game.”
Bryce lowered the case and turned critical eyes to me.
“Okay?” His gaze left mine, glancing behind me. “Where’s Julian?”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “He said I should let you buy it.”
“Oh, did he?” Bryce frowned, narrowing his eyes toward the doorway. “What do you like?”
“I don’t know.” I cocked my head. That was such a loaded question. What did anyone like about video games? Was it possible to claim honest affection toward something that only existed in a box? Perhaps so, but I had never contemplated this before. “I’ve never thought about…”
My words faded, a colorful poster of adorable characters on the wall besides Bryce captured my attention. “What isthat?”
“That?” Bryce followed my gaze. “Oh,that.” He spotted the advertisement. “You wouldn’t be interested in that. It’s for children—”
“I want it.” I pushed past Bryce, grabbing a case from the display.
“You don’t even know what it is!” Bryce followed me, forced patience lining his voice. He narrowed his eyes at my arms. “Why in the world do you want it?”
My face was already burning, but as I hugged the game to my chest, I knew I had no choice but to answer. He tapped his foot, impatience leaking from his features.
He’d never let me get it without a reason.
“It looks cute…” I admitted.
Bryce blinked, and for a moment he seemed dumbfounded. His voice was cautious when he finally responded. “That’s not a reason.”
He was wrong. It wasthereason.
“I need it.” If Bryce wouldn’t get it, I would tell Titus. Titus would understand. It was our special bond.
“Have you ever played a video game before? What systems have you used?” Bryce rubbed his head. “And besides, this is stupid. You wouldn’t like—”
“Don’t judge me.” Why was he arguing with me about this? He was supposed to heed my every word. This was highly unprofessional. “It’s better than your shooting game.”
